BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
required to ensure the power setting remains constant.
1.2.3.2. Power. From experience in an aircraft, you know approximately how far to
move the throttles to change the power a given amount. Therefore, you can make
power changes primarily by throttle movement and then crosscheck the indicators to
establish a more precise setting. The key is to avoid fixating on the indicators while
setting the power. Knowledge of approximate power settings for various flight
conditions will help you prevent over-controlling power.
1.2.4. Trim Technique.
1.2.4.1. Proper trim technique. Proper trim technique is essential for smooth and
precise aircraft control during all phases of flight. By relieving all control pressures,
you will find it is much easier to hold a given attitude constant and you will be able to
devote more attention to other cockpit duties.
1.2.4.2. Trimming an aircraft. Trim the aircraft by applying control pressures to
establish a desired attitude and then adjust the trim so the aircraft will maintain that
attitude when the flight controls are released. Trim the aircraft for coordinated flight
by centering the ball of the turn and slip indicator using rudder trim in the direction
the ball is displaced. Differential power control on multi-engine aircraft is an
additional factor affecting coordinated flight. Use balanced power or thrust, when
possible, to aid in maintaining coordinated flight.
1.2.4.3. Changes. Changes in attitude, power, or configuration will in most cases
require a trim adjustment. Independent use of trim to establish a change in aircraft
attitude invariably leads to erratic aircraft control. Smooth and precise attitude
changes are best attained by a combination of control pressures and trim adjustments.
Trim adjustment, correctly used, is an aid to smooth aircraft control.
Figure 1.2. Instrument Cross-Check Technique.